BA (Hons) Communication Design

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Heriot Watt University Dubai

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Communication Design at Heriot-Watt University Dubai fosters creativity, critical thinking, and technical skill development for visual communication across print, digital and interactive media. It suits students who want to become innovative designers capable of delivering compelling visual solutions in graphic design, illustration, photography, and UX/UI contexts.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build foundational design and visualisation skills through introductory modules like Introduction to Communication Design, Introduction to Creative Media, and Introduction to Photography. They also explore design thinking and visual development in Rethinking Design 1 & 2, gaining practical experience in composition, narrative imagery, and basic creative processes that support all later specialisations.

Year 2

The second year expands on this base with more specialised technical and conceptual courses such as Intermediate Photography, Creative Digital Technologies, Graphic Design, Typography & Illustration, and Promotion & Advertising. Students develop deeper expertise in typography, digital tools, visual storytelling and professional practice, preparing them for complex design briefs and communication challenges.

Year 3

During the third year, students engage with elective and themed specialisations including Art Direction and Storytelling, Design Branding, Advanced Communication Design and Collaborative Studio. This year focuses on integrating design strategy with creative execution, allowing students to tailor their learning towards areas such as interaction design, fashion communication, or management pathways within creative industries.

Year 4

The final honours year centres on independent and advanced practice. Students undertake a two-semester Final Project alongside Advanced Practice and Evaluation, synthesising their theoretical knowledge and practical skills into a capstone portfolio piece that demonstrates professional-level communication design competencies.

Focus areas (in a string):

Graphic design, illustration, photography, moving image/animation, interaction design (UX/UI), visual storytelling

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Graduates will conceptualise and produce impactful design solutions, think critically about design contexts, apply technical tools across media, and communicate visually to diverse audiences.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and aligned with Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) standards from the UK.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Heriot-Watt University Dubai holds KHDA five-star ratings and strong industry links; while specific global employability rankings for this programme aren’t published, the university’s international network enhances graduate prospects

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This applied learning approach is structured around key facilities and mandatory experiences:

On-Campus Media Production Facilities: The program is centered around the UAEU Media Center, which includes a professional Television Studio, a Radio Broadcasting Studio, a digital Newsroom, and multimedia Editing Suites.
Industry-Standard Equipment and Software: Students train with professional-grade video cameras, audio recorders, and lighting kits. They use industry-standard software such as the Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, Audition, Photoshop) for editing and design, and broadcast automation systems in the radio and TV studios.
Mandatory Professional Internship: Students must complete a full-time, for-credit internship (often referred to as "Practical Training") at a media organization. Typical hosts include local and national newspapers, TV and radio stations, public relations firms, advertising agencies, and digital media companies in the UAE.
Capstone Media Project: In their final year, students undertake a significant senior project or thesis that involves producing a substantial piece of media work, such as a documentary, a full magazine issue, or a strategic communication campaign, from conception to execution.
Student Media Outlets: Students gain real experience by contributing to and managing student-run media, such as the university newspaper, radio station broadcasts, and online media channels.
Workshops and Guest Lectures: The program regularly hosts workshops and lectures by media professionals, journalists, PR executives, and filmmakers to provide current industry insights and networking opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Heriot-Watt University Dubai's BA (Hons) Communication Design excel in graphic design, digital media, and strategic branding, achieving over 90% employment or further study within six months through studio-based projects and industry placements. Typical job roles include graphic designer, art director, brand manager, and motion graphics specialist in creative agencies and media firms.

Progression & Future Opportunities: Industry connections drive employability:

Careers service offers placements, CV workshops, employer networking, and live briefs with Dubai creative firms.
Salaries: AED 60k–120k entry-level in UAE design roles.
Partnerships: MENASA creative industries for real-world projects.
KHDA-accredited for enduring UAE/global recognition.
Outcomes: professional portfolios via collaborative studios.

Further Academic Progression: Pursue master's in design/communication at Heriot-Watt Dubai/UK; builds advanced conceptual skills